At a glance

Your chance to

At a glance

7 nights hotels or pensions with en suite facilities

5 days walking with vehicle support

Not suitable for vertigo sufferers

Altitude maximum 1862m, average 750m

Enjoy stunning coastal views

Walk through the wild and varied scenery of Madeira, from gentle strolls along flower-lined levadas to spectacular coastal footpaths to more demanding forays amongst the jagged ridges and peaks of the rugged volcanic interior. There is plenty of time to relax by the sea in the fishing village of Machico and discover the wealthy importance of Funchal, which was famous centuries ago for exporting sugar and wine to the Indies and the New World.

Walk profile

Daily distance in km/miles:

Day 2

8.0km/5.0miles

Day 3

12.0km/7.5miles

Day 4

12.0km/7.5miles

Day 5

16.0km/9.9miles

Day 6

12.0km/7.5miles

Number of days walking: 5

Pace: Moderate: 5-6km/3-4miles an hour

Terrain: Low altitude; good paths with some steep ascents

Itinerary

Today we walk along the Ponta de Sao Lourenco. In this dry area we will see wallflowers, stalwarts and many other tiny plants that resist this windy environment and manage to grow in soils with high levels of salinity. Rocks, sculptured by nature, have a great diversity of colours ranging from black to red, and are in stark contrast to the blue of the ocean. Madeira's Nature Park rangers watch over the plants and animals that belong to this eastern extremity of the island, around Casa do Sardinha. This is a classic walk; challenging but with wonderful scenery, and you will only hear yourself and the sea. See more images and videos

3Day 3Spectacular walk along north coast path to Porto da Cruz.

Walk on the southern side of Madeira and ending, after a scenic stretch along a cliff trail, on the north coast. We set off along the little Levada do Caniï¿½al, more modest and quieter than yesterday's. Leaving the levada we make a gradual climb up to the crest of the cliffs at Boca do Risco where we enjoy some amazing views along the north coast and may even be able to see the nearby island of Porto Santo. We then head west along the coastal path, a spectacular route in many places cut right into the cliff. We finally descend to the small town of Porto da Cruz, once a bustling port but now a sleepy little town, before our transfer to Santana.

4Day 4Transfer to Queimadas; walk along Levada do Caldeirdo Verde to the isolated village of Ilha.

Transfer from Santana (short stop to admire the famous thatched roof houses) and then on to Queimadas (natural park) and walk along Levada do Caldeirao Verde. Finish this walk at the isolated village of Ilha before returning to Santana.

Today we make the most strenuous walk of the trip. An early departure to see the sunrise at Achada do Teixeira, then we ascend the island's highest mountain, Pico Ruivo (1862m). Our descent follows a spectacular ridge via Torrinhas Pass and over the saddle of Pico do Jorge to Encumeada. As we descend bees buzz in 'Lily of the Valley' trees and the smell of wild thyme fills the air. Finally we arrive at Encumeada via a long series of stone steps, a welcoming destination after a long day in the hills. See more images and videos

We enjoy another fine high-level walk. From Encumeada we walk through woods of chestnut and eucalyptus and then traverse below the rocky escarpment of Pico Grande, enjoying fine views to the south and back to the west. Eventually we come to a superb viewpoint overlooking the spectacularly situated village of Curral das Freiras and then descend to the village of Corticeiras. We catch a bus into Funchal and there will be time for exploration, market visit or shopping.
Please note that as a result of the 2010 flooding, this path has been closed for maintenance work. If it has not yet reopened at the time of your visit, we might walk from Corticeiras to Curral das freiras, depending on the weather conditions and the group capabilities.See more images and videos

7Day 7Free day to visit the bustling 'Mercado dos Lavradores', Se Cathedral or some wine tasting.

Free day to explore Funchal, the capital of the Madeira Islands. The city is easily explored on foot and the must see sights are the Se Cathedral, which was built between 1493 and 1514 and in the Avenida Arriaga stands the magnificent statue of the man who discovered Madeira, Joao Goncalves Zarco.See more images and videos

Your images

Adult Group

This is a small group adult holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are moderately fit and possess a spirit of adventure. Some previous experience is required for most activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts

All accommodation

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

London flights (if booking incl. flights)

Airport transfers

What's not included

Travel insurance

Visas or vaccinations

Single accommodation (available on request)

Accommodation details

Hotels & Pensions

Throughout your trek you will stay in good quality hotels and simple pensions. Accommodation will be in twin-bedded rooms and you will normally have en-suite facilities. Single travellers will be matched with a sharer of the same sex.
Limited single rooms are available for a supplement of GBP 150 (approx. US$270).

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
No visa required for British passport holders.
There are no specific health risks. Holiday style

This trip consists of 5 daywalks and 1 free day. The walks are either fairly easy medium-duration walks or harder, shorter walks and reasonable fitness is required. The paths we use are generally flat and well maintained but some of the routes cross rougher terrain with longer ascents and descents. Some of the paths are quite narrow and stony underfoot and require walking in single file. On several occasions where the path becomes narrow and has a steep drop to one side, walkers need a head for heights. Handrails sometimes protect these sections, but we do not recommend this holiday for vertigo sufferers. A few of the levada paths enter short tunnels through the rock but these are easily navigated with the aid of a torch.
Should you decide not to walk on certain days, there is the possibility of getting a lift with the support vehicle.
Altitude maximum 1,862m; average 750m.

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts are included and usually consist of coffee/tea, fruit juice, rolls or bread, butter and jam, with the addition of cereal or cheese sometimes.
Lunch (not included): normally bread or rolls, fresh salad vegetables, cold meats or tinned fish, cheese and fresh fruit. The ingredients for lunch can often be bought at nearby shops and supermarkets, and prepared before walks.
Evening meal (not included): normally a first course of soup or salad, a main course of meat or fish with vegetables and potatoes or rice, plus a dessert course. We regularly take our evening meal in our hotel, although there are other options.
Madeirans eat a lot of meat and fish with rather plainly cooked vegetables. Vegetarians will normally find they get a balanced diet if they are prepared to be flexible.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including
detailed itinerary and full kit list

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Getting up early in time to see the sunrise high up above the clouds, then climbing to the top of Pico Ruivo..and reaching the bar for a large beer after the long descent!

What did you think of your group leader?

Andre was very good. He was well organised and very sociable with a good sense of humour. He kept an eye on the whole group whilst letting us go at our own pace. He gave a lot of information about the mountains, levadas, birds and flowers. He also gave us an interesting tour of Funchal on the last morning .

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

There are lots of narrow paths on the sides of hills, lots of climbs and descents, but the effort is well worth it for the great views.
Do go up in the cable car to the Monte Tropical Gardens in Funchal.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Don't expect fine dining, but the wine is very good!
Some of the hotels were quite cold in the evenings.

A great week of walking and socialising. The guide, the group and Madeira were all we hoped for.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The view of the "Balcony" walk as it threaded along the cliff. It looked terrifying but in reality was quite comfortable and satisfying.

What did you think of your group leader?

Andre was superb. He was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. He kept us all entertained and amused but was also solicitous as to individuals' welfare. His judgement was very good in allowing some to press on ahead at their own pace where safety permitted.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The walking on the whole was more leisurely than I expected. This was our first group walking holiday and it is difficult to be precise in the definition of moderate. I enjoyed the week thoroughly but for me some of the walks were strolls. However, Exodus were clear and honest in their description.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

For a relaxed holiday in great company on a beautiful island this cannot be beaten. Travel arrangements were excellent and communication from Exodus was very good.

Very good trip. Beautiful island, stunning and spectacular views all the varied from walks. Guide (Andre) was brilliant.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The walk across the highest point on Madeira looking out over the clouds (plus new year fireworks across Funchal harbour).

What did you think of your group leader?

Fantastic. Andre was very passionate and knowledegable about Maderia where he was born and lived for most of his life. He was very concious about our safety, wellbeing and enjoyment all the time, but brought humour into things on a regular basis.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This is the lowest difficulty grade walking holiday i have done. The others have been atleast moderate/challenging. Most walks are fairly flat (walking along the levadas) with only a few short steep sections. The days are also 1/2 day walks. This is fine if that is what you are expecting and is enough for you but if you have been on harder walking holidays before you may find the walking too easy.

Questions about your trip

Do I have to walk every day?

If you want to take a day out, there is the possibility of grabbing a lift with the support vehicle but this will have to be arranged locally. We obviously hope you'll be out walking all the days!

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

How difficult is the walking in Madeira?

The paths we use are generally flat and well maintained but some of the routes cross rougher terrain with longer ascents and descents. Some of the paths are quite narrow and require walking in single file. On severaloccasions where the path becomes narrow and has a steep drop to one side, walkers need a head for heights. Handrails sometimes protect these sections but we do not recommend this holiday for vertigo sufferers. A few of the levada paths enter short tunnels through the rock but these are easily navigated with the aid of a torch.

Jim Carder - Sales

Do I need trekking poles for the levadas?

Poles are optional and down to your own personal preference. Some people find them handy, especially on the downhill sections or if you have weak knees! If you do take some, make sure you pack them in your hold luggage, as you won't be allowed take them on board.

Rachel George - Customer Operations

I'm vegetarian - is this ok in Madeira?

Madeirans eat a lot of meat and fish with rather plainly cooked vegetables. Hotel cooks are not normally geared up to providing separate vegetarian menus but vegetarians will normally find they get a balanced diet if they are prepared to be flexible. Please let us know in advance if you have any special dietary requirements.

Juliana Gier - Customer Operations

Anything I should see around Funchal?

In Funchal there are number of things to do during your free time and we can recommend a visit to the Botanical Gardens (open from 10:00 – 17:00) – admission is free. There is also a spectacular cable car ride allowing you to appreciate some stunning panoramic views of the island’s valleys. A return journey is Eur 14.50 for adults and Eur 7.25 for children (open from 10:00 – 18:00).

Rachel George - Customer Operations

Exodus staff - expertise on hand to help

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